The Tanzania Police Force’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was hacked early Tuesday morning, leading to the dissemination of false information, including a fabricated report claiming the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The compromised account, which boasts over 468,000 followers, also hosted a live broadcast by the hackers and shared a series of unverified and misleading messages. The last legitimate post from the account was made on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Authorities have not yet disclosed who is behind the cyberattack, but the incident has raised significant concerns about digital security, particularly for state institutions. The hacked account has been a key tool for the police, used to relay updates on criminal cases and public safety initiatives.
The breach comes at a politically sensitive time. President Suluhu is currently embroiled in a high-profile standoff with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who has been charged with treason. The president has also been vocal about foreign interference, particularly after several foreign activists, including Kenyans, attempted to attend Lissu’s trial but were denied entry and deported.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy, President Suluhu warned against external meddling. “We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said in a televised address. She urged national security agencies to remain vigilant against what she termed as “ill-mannered individuals from other countries.”
The Tanzanian government has not yet confirmed whether the hack is linked to recent political tensions or if it was an isolated cyberattack. Investigations are ongoing.
Written By Rodney Mbua
